Through the work of eight contemporary artists, this specially curated new exhibition for RAMM explores otherworldly connections to nature.
Earth Spells: Witches of the Anthropocene responds to RAMM’s collections, specifically the Dartmoor Cauldron, once owned by the self-identified ‘Witch of Dartmoor’ Elizabeth Webb. The ‘Anthropocene’ is a proposed definition of geological time that describes the period from 1945 to now, where human activity has had significant impact on the planet’s ecosystems.
The artworks express an intuitive response to the climate and ecological crises. They suggest new spiritual relationships with the land, especially in Devon and Cornwall. Dartmoor is widely known as a place for self-healing and shamanistic practices with its Neolithic stone circles and burial mounds.
Earth Spells invites the viewer to consider if the artists and the artworks could be perceived as suspicious and challenging, radiating ‘witchiness’.
The exhibition is open from Saturday 11th February - Sunday 7th May.
Image: Baubo Dance by Kris Lemsalu (credit Stanislav Stepaško, courtesy of the artist and Temnikova & Kasela Gallery)
Artists Emma Hart, Grace Ndiritu, Florence Peake and Lucy Stein have been commissioned to create new work in response to RAMM’s collections.
Lucy Stein says, ‘To a certain extent as an artist/witch, I have to stay in tune with an uncultivated state inside myself. For this commission at RAMM, I am trying to tap into the vibe of my childhood, death, the mystical feminine and the spirit of place in the South West.’
Florence Peake presents films, ceramic sculptures and text-based fabric installations inspired by the cauldron’s aura and her visit to a Shaman on Dartmoor. Emma Hart is interested in the power of individuals whose words incite change, for example Greta Thunberg’s activism. Grace Ndiritu’s work draws on indigenous ideas that urge us to live and work for the benefit of all future generations and ecosystems. Her protest carpet is ‘activated’ through an intimate, spiritual ceremony in the museum.
Other works on display include a Jacquard tapestry and drawings by Kiki Smith; a hand-tufted rug by Caroline Achaintre; Mercedes Mühleisen’s video installation Lament of Fruitless HEN; and the sculpture Baubo Dance by Kris Lemsalu.
Earth Spells is co-curated by Lara Goodband, Contemporary Art Curator and Programmer at RAMM, and independent curator Gemma Lloyd.
Cost: Free
Accessibility Statement: Entrance to RAMM is via Queen Street or the Garden Entrance.
You can reach the Garden Entrance via two accessible routes via Castle Street, past Exeter Library, or via Little Queen Street and Musgrave Row, which is level.
Wheelchair users and people with mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies can access the Garden Entrance using the ramp from the blue-badge parking area, or may use our lift at the Queen Street entrance. Small vehicles, including minibuses, can also use the parking area to drop passengers. To book blue-badge parking, please email museum.reception@exeter.gov.uk or call 01392 265960 during opening hours – 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and bank holidays).
The 16 galleries on 2 floors are fully accessible to wheelchair users. There are two lifts in the museum. There is level access on each floor with ample space to manoeuvre between displays. Some doors open automatically. Large print, hearing loops, wheelchairs, free WiFi and online BSL and subtitled videos are all available.
Our Accessibility Guide provides accurate measurements, descriptions and images of RAMM’s accessible features, helping you plan your visit with ease. This can be viewed online or downloaded as a word document. It is useful for visitors with a variety of access requirements.
The RAMM Visual Story (2MB PDF file), with pictures and words, shows how to find the museum and the facilities available. It will be particularly useful for visitors with autism and their carers.
Assistance dogs are welcome at the museum. Our staff will be happy to provide drinking water for your dog.
There are accessible toilets on both levels of the museum, and baby changing facilities on both floors. The closest accessible Changing Place toilet is located in Princesshay shopping centre on the ground floor of St Stephen’s House at the back of Nationwide in Catherine Square, adjacent to Lloyd’s Lounge.
If a visitor requires an accompanying carer, the carer will be admitted to paying exhibitions and events free of charge.
Full information at https://rammuseum.org.uk/visit/access/